Sport
25 April, 2025
Maryborough Karate Club members return from successful trip to Okinawa
Three members of the Maryborough Karate Club have returned from a landmark trip to Japan, embracing the birthplace of traditional karate.
Sensei Gary Oliver, Rod Curnow and Brendon Gartside were invited to present in front of their Karate Grand Master Fusei Kise (10th Dan) in Okinawa earlier this month.
The visit was saddened by the Grand Master’s son, Isao Kise 10th Dan who had passed away suddenly in February after a battle with cancer. This left the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Federation, which the Maryborough Karate Club belongs to, unsure of who would take over leadership.
When the three Aussies presented in front of Grand Master Kise this question was answered, with his grandson Chofu Kise to be the next Grand Master.
The journey to Okinawa was a first for Curnow and Gartside, who have both been practicing karate for over 20 years, and the eighth visit for Oliver — a veteran of the martial art.
For Gartside, who’s been doing karate since he was five, the trip was “surreal”.
“The island of Okinawa is known for karate itself and having been told all these stories, to actually get there and see it yourself is surreal,” he said.
“We’re all getting older and it’s something we wanted to do — to see it come to fruition is great.
“The people were very friendly too, if you were looking puzzled they’d ask if you needed help.”
Highlights of the trip, apart from presenting in front of Grand Master Kise, were visiting and training at the Hombu Dojo (headquarters for the style the trio practice), exploring the historical battle sites and natural tourist attractions that cover the island, and training with American colleagues who were also present.
Both Gartside and Curnow overcame injuries to take part in the trip, which quickly became a lifelong memory for Curnow.
“I’ve been doing karate for 25 years and it was pretty daunting at the start, just to get to a green belt was hard work,” he said.
“To be a black belt and have the opportunity to go to Japan, it’s a different kind of experience.
“We always aspired to go to Japan and to have finally been is something special.”
Training was vigorous and insightful with all present working on techniques and martial arts weapons appropriate to their level.
During their visit to Okinawa, Grand Master Kise made a special award to Oliver, who received the title of “Kyoshi” which translates as Master Teacher.
The title (shogo award) is conferred to students with a minimum of 7th Dan Black Belt rank.
Oliver is the longest serving student of Grand Master Kise’s western students and has been actively involved in this Karate style since 1973.
According to Oliver, it was a special moment when the Grand Master came over and said in English, “long time no see”, with oliver replying with the same greeting in Japanese.
“Both our eyes welled up a bit. It was a special moment,” he said.
The three locals are already looking forward to return visits to Okinawa, as well as hosting both Okinawan and US members in Maryborough to strengthen the bond and knowledge that brings them together on the lifelong pursuit that is karate.